Referendum Results

On April 4, voters in the Verona Area School District (VASD) approved a nearly $183 million referenda to build a new high school on district-owned land at highway 18/151 and West Verona Avenue. The referendum question also provides funding to renovate classroom spaces within two existing facilities, carry out district-wide maintenance, and construct a new swimming pool and outdoor athletic competition fields at the new high school. The third question on the ballot, which addressed operational funding of $2.3 million (annually) for costs associated with the new facilities and grounds, was also approved by community voters.

For nearly a decade the District has been evaluating district growth. After two years of intensive study, planning, and broad input from the community, the Board approved a comprehensive K-12 facilities plan that honors VASD’s educational mission while addressing current crowding and projected growth of over 1600 additional resident students by 2030.

“On behalf of the Board of Education, I want to thank all of our residents for working deliberately with us,” stated School Board President Denny Beres. “Our community and staff participation throughout the facilities planning process was instrumental in shaping the comprehensive K-12 plan and reflects their priorities for our schools,” added Beres. In the last year, the District hosted 10 workshops/presentations open to the public, and held a community-wide survey in addition to more than 20 additional internal and external presentations at various community service club meetings, also including private community members’ homes.

With the community’s approval of Question #1 and Question #2, the district will now begin design work with Eppstein Uhen Architects (EUA). This will include the formation of a “Design Team” consisting of representatives from schools, grade levels and other specialists to ensure designs reflect the ideas and goals of a team of educators and professionals.

“The approval of this referendum is a tribute to the collaborative efforts of an entire community,” said Superintendent Dean Gorrell. “We are committed to building opportunity and equitable learning environments that serve the needs of all students while working in partnership with our community.”

Information and updates on the design process and construction timeline for projects will be available in the coming weeks and throughout the year-long design process.